England’s Rugby World Cup players have been branded ‘pathetic’ by ASM Clermont full-back Nick Abendanon for backing the RFU’s policy of banning overseas players from selection.

Speaking on BT Sport’s weekly rugby show Rugby Tonight, airing on Monday, the 29-year-old was discussing his thoughts on the recent Rugby World Cup, where conversation drifted to England’s controversial squad selection policy.

The RFU allows players from overseas clubs to be picked for England, but only in ‘exceptional circumstances.’

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‘To have that competition, to have someone who’s been playing at the top level in France and in Europe, come in and maybe teach the guys a few things, really make sure the other players are threatened for their place and pick themselves up another level, for me that’s only a good thing,’ says the full-back.

‘You know, he never had to pick us but I think he should’ve brought the guys in to make sure that his players pick it up another level.

‘To hear some players say ‘ah we shouldn’t pick international players because it will unsettle the squad’, I mean that to me is pathetic, that should be something that would motivate you even more to want to keep your place.’